The Department of Transport is still working on the process to extend the validity period of driver’s license cards from five years to eight years. (Photo: RTMC)
The Department of Transport is still working on the process to extend the validity period of driver’s license cards from five years to eight years. This is evident from a letter that Barbara Creecy, Minister of Transport, sent to AfriForum earlier this month.
However, according to the civil rights organization, it is unclear why the process has not yet been completed, as the department’s performance plan indicates that the amended regulations should have been published early in 2026.
Maroela Media previously reported that Mathabatha Mokonyama, Acting Director General of the Department of Transport, told Parliament’s Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and the Minister in the Presidency last year that the period will probably be extended soon. However, AfriForum points out that the end of the financial year is fast approaching.
According to the minister, the amendments are still in the pipeline and the public will soon have the opportunity to provide input. In her writing, Creecy confirms that the administrative and legal preparations for the new period continue.
However, AfriForum requested Creecy to complete the process quickly as “the whole country’s eyes are fixed on her department”.
Louis Boshoff, spokesperson for AfriForum, argues that there is no reason for the department to delay the implementation of the new regulation.
“There is overwhelming public support for this decision and plenty of reason to implement it soon. The department must not make excuses for delaying the change of this regulation.”
According to AfriForum, the delays have a direct impact on road users, with more and more license cards expiring while the new regulations have not yet been finalised. The organization believes these drivers remain competent regardless of the status of their physical cards.
“Every day’s delay means that drivers’ licenses will not expire, even if they are still able to drive their vehicles safely and responsibly. AfriForum will continue to exert pressure until this matter is settled,” says Boshoff.